if i was to paint my calipers...what type of paint should i use...

 

Most tend to use high temp engine paint or paint specifically made for calipers; The only difference I can see between them is color selection and brightness. Though it appears any paint that will stick to the caliper aluminum will work, as calipers themselvs tend to not get all that hot from normal use.

I bought a can of caliper spray, but ended up using a brush on kit. Spray is easy, but the real work is in taping off EVERYTHING including the closest body panels to protect from overspray. Brush on ends up easier in my opinion. Besides a dropcloth, you only need to tape off a few spots like the rubber bracket boots, bolts, brake line and the closest section of the rotor.

Cleaning the calipers before hand is a chore too, but it will have the most impact on your satisfaction in the long term. Paint will begin to fleck off an improperly prepared serface within a month, if not almost immediately. All brake cleaner seems to do is help remove dust, which is usefull but the surface is still oxidised, as well as tinted from the rotor rust. Sand with some low grit (100-200) sand paper to remove as much oxidation as possible and give a good surface for the paint to grab. I'd recomend removing the caliper, and then remove the pads and pad guides (the clips on either side of each pad. 2 clips per caliper). This allows you to get into the tough to get to locations of the caliper's externals. Reattach it to the bracket for tape and paint, though finger tight on the bolts is all that is needed.

Other recomendations:
- Never hang the caliper by the brake line!!
- Paint with the pads removed
- Try to keep the paint to the outside of the caliper. No need to get paint where it may mess with the braking action, not to mention you can't see it.
- Don't paint the piston and boot. Though this should be covered by the previous statement.
- Clearcoats can be usefull for long term protection.. Just don't mix paint types

I realize this is more than you asked for, but there arn't many how-tos I could find online that are possible to follow with normal tools/supplies/effort.

About a month sofar mine seem to be holding up with the duplicolor brush on paint kit.

 

When i painted my calipers, i called G2, the caliper company i bought my paint from, and they said to absolutely DO NOT spray clear coat on them. They said they will turn yellow over time.

 

Duplicolor caliper kit.

 

I just used regular enamel paint and brushed it on. I have never had a problem but like Preowner said, preparing the caliper is the most important step. Besides if you go with an enamel you are not limited to color.

 

Good to know. I don't claim to be an expert. I've just done it once.

I wonder what causes the yellowing. Usually UV from sunlight, but to only do it with a clearcoat? What type of paint was it?

 

Yea, i had no idea before i called either.

I don't know the details, they just told me to not do it because it would yellow. G2 caliper paint.

 

go to autozone and get duplicolor brake painting kit. period.

 

I did mine with that i think it came out ok

 

I used the G2 paint system with great results. Make sure you hit it good with the cleaner and do 2 coats.

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